Stop the Wrestling Before Bedtime
Sometime around 7:30 p.m., our living room morphs into a mini-WWE arena. My two boys, predictably, start their nightly wrestling routine. It’s like clockwork, and frankly, it doesn’t scream 'wind-down time'. Here's what finally helped calm the chaos, well, sort of.
Why This Wrestlemania?
Evenings can be high-energy for young kids. After a day full of activities, they may still be buzzing with energy. This wrestling can also fulfill a need for physical touch or just one last attempt to connect with their sibling before sleep (which sounds sweet, until someone cries).
Practical Solutions
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Redirect with a Game: About 30 minutes before bed, introduce a game that satisfies their need for physical play without the noise (or injuries). Something like 'Simon Says' with calming commands works well. "Simon says brush your teeth gently."
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Calming Snack Time: A change of pace with a small snack can work wonders. We sometimes do apple slices with peanut butter while discussing our day. This not only diverts their energy but also creates a small bonding moment.
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Story Time, Together: Have them choose a story to read together in their room. You'd be surprised how a narrative can pull them away from the tussle. You could try "The Gruffalo" — mine love the interactive bits.
A Real Example
"I know it's hard to stop when you're having fun," I say, pulling out a puzzle. "But how about a challenge? Help me find the corner pieces." Through trial and error, I realized that sometimes they just need a little help transitioning.
Ending With a Thought
If your kids still attempt wrestling post-story time, don’t worry. I still mess this up sometimes. Remember, strategies like these assume typical behavior for their age. Persistent rough play might mean a chat with someone like a pediatric specialist is in order, in case there’s an underlying cause.
So, try one of these approaches tonight. Even a small change might tilt the balance in favor of a calmer evening.